Sanitary disposal unit



w. J. GGR-MAN ETAL 3,529,779

SANITARY DISPOSAL UNIT septn 22,1970

2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed 001;. 18, 1967 United States Patent O 3,529,779SANITARY DISPOSAL UNIT William J. Gorman, Raytown, Mo., and John G.Markert,

Overland Park, and James S. Reed, Lawrence, Kans.,

assignors to GMR, Inc., Lawrence, Kans., a corporation of Kansas FiledOct. 18, 1967, Ser. No. 676,267 Int. Cl. B02c 13/22 U.S. Cl. 241-38 7Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A conditioner for waste materialhaving a substantial paper content comprising a receiver having a pairof parallel, rotatable shafts extending across the receiver and providedwith knives for comminuting the paper. Water at high pressure isintroduced into the receiver through nozzles to direct the waterdownwardly and in a direction to urge the paper material into engagementwith the knives. Some of the knives are angled to advance the materialtoward an outlet opening for discharge into a waste disposer andsubsequent passage to a sewer line or the like. An injector is providedto intermittently introduce a treating agent such as a detergent anddisinfectant into the water supply. Electrical circuitry provided with atimer operate the components in timed sequence and a cabinet cover latchand switch insure that the apparatus operates only when the cover isclosed.

This invention relates to waste disposers and, more particularly, toapparatus for the sanitary disposal of Waste material having a highpaper content, such as that from a hospital which uses disposable papercontainers and other materials. With the advent of paper utensils whichare practical for use as bedpans or the like, hospitals, nursing homesand similar institutions are increasingly desirous of taking advantageof the increased sanitation and convenience offered by such utensils.However, satisfactory disposal of waste, including paper utensils, hasheretofore presented serious problems which have either prevented orseverely curtailed use of such utensils.

Increased emphasis on elimination of air pollution, together with thefact that such waste often includes noncombustible matter, has generallyeliminated incineration as a satisfactory means of disposal. Attemptshave been made to pass such material through conventional waste orgarbage disposers, but insucient comminution of the paper content of thematerial has heretofore resulted in clogging of such conventionaldisposers.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to provideapparatus which is capable of handling waste material having asubstantial paper content to precondition the material so that thematerial is in a state for final comminution by conventional garbagedisposers for subsequent passage to a sewer line or the like.

It is another important object of this invention to provide apparatuswhich is simple and easy to operate, yet which is capable of disposingof such waste material in a sanitary and efficient manner and with aminimum of operator attention.

Still another object of this invention is to provide apparatus of thetype described which automatically introduces both a wetting agent toenhance the comminution of paper material and a disinfectant toeliminate the likelihood of the spread of disease or the contaminationof the disposal apparatus by germs or the like.

A yet further important object of the invention is to provide apparatusutilizing vibration dampening mounting means for various components tominimize the noise attendant upon operation of the machine.

f; ICC

Another object of this invention is to provide disposal apparatusprovided with a cabinet having a novel cover latch to insure that theapparatus is prevented from operating unless the cover is closed tothereby insure safe operation of the apparatus.

These and other important objects of the instant invention will befurther explained or become apparent from the description, claims anddrawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective View on a reduced scale of a machineembodying the principles of this invention, showing the front and oneend thereof;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the machine, parts being brokenaway and shown in cross section to reveal details of construction;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof, parts being broken away andappearing in cross section to reveal details of construction;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof, the cover and baille being removedand parts being broken away to reveal details of construction;

l FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, cross-sectional vie'wthrough the material receiver and knife assembly;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, cross-sectional viewthrough the cabinet and cover, parts of the cover latch being shown inside elevation;

FI-G. 7 is an enlarged, bottom plan view of the cover latch, alternatepositions of the components thereof appearing in phantom;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional viewthrough one of the knife shaft mountings;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating both the electrical and fluidcircuitry of a machine embodying the principles of this invention; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, vertical, cross-sectional view through one ofthe rnountings for minimizing vibration of the components of thismachine.

The machine embodying the -principles of this invention is broadlydesignated by the numeral 20 and includes a generally rectangular frame22 covered by a front panel 24, a rear panel 26 and side panels 28 and30. A waste irnaterial receiver broadly designated by the numeral 32 isprovided with a peripherally extending ange 34 which rests upon aperipherally extending, resilient mounting gasket 36 which is, i-n turn,supported by an inwardly extending flange 38 of frame 22 as best seen inFIG. 5. Thus, the open top receiver 32 is suspended by fraime 22 in amanner to permit receiver 32 to hang gvvnvardly into the machine withinthe confies of panels Receiver 32 includes a substantially verticallyextending rear wall 40, an inclined front wall 42, and a pair of opposedend walls 44 and 46 respectively. The walls 40-46 are interconnected atthe lowermost edges thereof with a substantially horizontally extendingbottom wall 48 to dene a trough 50 extending entirely across receiver 32at the lowermost portion thereof. A pair of elongated, transverselycircular shafts 52 and 54 are journalled in end walls 44 and 46 bybearings S6 which are mounted in resilient brackets 58 to be more fullydescribed hereinafter. Shafts 52 and 54 are disposed in substantialparallel relationship in trough 50 adjacent the bottom wall 48 asillustrated particularly in FIG. 5. Each shaft is provided with aplurality of longitudinally spaced, radially extending knives 60, theknives of shaft 52 being offset with respect to the knives of shaft 54as illustrated best in FIG. 4.

It should be noted that each knife 60 is of generally rectangularconfiguration Iwith the respective shaft 52 or 54 passing through themid-point of the knife. The knives are rigidly mounted on the respectiveshafts as by welding or the like for rotation with the shafts as thelatter rotate in their respective bearings as will be hereinafterdescribed. Diametrically opposite corner edges of each knife aresharpened as at 62 as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, it may be seen that so-me of the kniveson each shaft are bent at the outermost ends, while other knives 60,which are located in generally overlying relationship to a dischargeopening 64 in bottom 48 of the material receiver 32, remain essentiallyflat. Furthermore, the knives 60 mounted on shaft 52 are substantiallyidentical with the knives 60 mounted on shaft 54 and each of the bentknives 60 are bent in a direction to impart a generally longitudinalmovement of waste material in receiver 32 in the direction towarddischarge opening 64 as the shafts are rotated in a clockwise directionas viewed in FIG. 5. The knives 60 which are not bent are situatedadjacent discharge opening 64 to enhance the movement of the wastematerial into opening 64 as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Shafts 52 and 54 are connected at one end with a chain and sprocketassembly 66 and shaft 54 is interconnected to an electric motor 68 by apulley and belt assembly 70. Motor 68 is mounted on a subframe 72 whichis suspended from an intermediate portion 74 of frame 22 throughresilient mounting members 76, one of which is illustrated in detail inFIG. l0. Thus, subframe 72 is mounted in a manner to dampen thevibrations which are attendant upon operation of motor 68 to preventsuch vibrations from being transmitted to frame 22.

Motor 68 is also interconnected through a coupler 78 with a highpressure pump (FIG. 2), the inlet of which communicates through line 82with a solenoid operated water valve 84. A li-ne 86 emanating from valve84 terminates in a nozzle 88 (FIGS. 4 and 5) disposed at the end oftrough 50 remote from discharge opening 64, Valve 84 is, in turn,connected to a source of pressurized fluid such as a water supply line90 or the like.

The high side of pump 80 is provided with a plurality of feeder lines 92which communicate with corresponding nozzles 94 disposed in ends 44 and46 as illustrated best in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. It should be noted thatnozzles 94 are disposed substantially above the elongated knife andshaft assemblies comprised of shafts 52 and 54 and knives 60. Further,the nozzles are in position to emanate liquid in a generally downwardlydirection while flooding the entire inner surface of 'material receiver32 as will be described hereinafter.

A liquid material injector 96 of conventional construction is mounted onsubframe 72 and communicates with a treating agent container 98 througha conductor 100. The injector 96 rnay be of any suitable type such asthat commonly employed in washing machines for introducing detergent orany other conditioning agent into the water. Injector 96 communicateswith the high side of pump 80 through a line 102 (FIG. 2) whichdischarges at a point upstream from the inlet ends of the respectivelines 92.

A conventional heavy duty waste disposer 104 such as is manufactured andsold by The Salvajor Company, Kansas City, Mo., under the designationSalvajor Model J-H, and which includes a grinding unit 106 and a motor108 is mounted on frame 22 in communication with discharge opening 64 ofmaterial receiver 32 and, in turn, is coupled with a pipe 110 forreceiving 4material handled by machine 20. It is contemplated that pipe110) will normally comprise a part of a sewer line or the like. However,it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that `pipe 110 couldalso lead to any other suitable receiver for the treated materialhandled by machine 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be noted that anelongated, generally rectangular baffle 112 is mounted on wall 46 andextends in partially overlying relationship above the shafts 52 and 54and their respective knives 60. Baie 112 is substantially rectangular inconfiguration with a downwardly inclined arige 114 for mounting the sameto end 46 by welding or the like.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 5-7, machine 20 is provided with ahinged cover 116 which is secured at the front with a latch broadlydesignated 118. Latch 118 includes a pair of opposed, swingable jaws 120and 122 pivotally mounted at their respective ends on pins 124 formovement toward and away from the full-line positions thereofillustrated in FIG. 7. Springs 126 retained by downwardly extendingprojections 128 integral with a mounting frame 130 urge the jaws towardthe full-line position of FIG. 7.

The outermost ends of jaws 120 and 122 are inclined as illustrated todefine therebetween a substantially V- shaped notch when the jaws are inposition adjacent the path of travel of an elongated, transverselycircular pin 132 carried by cover 116. Pin 132 has a portion 134intermediate its ends of reduced transverse dimension to present anupwardly facing shoulder 136 on pin 132 in spaced relationship to thelowermost pointed end 138 thereof. It will be apparent to those skilledin the art that when cover 116 is in its closed position, pin 132extends between jaws 120 and 122 of latch 118, and the jaws engageshoulder 136 to prevent lifting of cover 116. Jaws 120 and 122 areconveniently provided with indentations 140 for generally complementallyembracing pin 132, and also to permit ready insertion of the pointed endthereof between the jaws even when the jaws are biased toward oneanother by springs 126. A solenoid 142 mounted on frame 130 has anarmature including a generally V-shaped nose 144 which moves along apath of travel toward and away from the V-shaped notch defined by theoutermost ends of the jaws 120 and 122. Nose 144 is normally biasedtoward jaws 120 and 122 under the influence of a spring 146 whereby thenose 144 engages the jaws and spreads them apart to the dotted linepositions thereof illustrated in FIG. 7. However, when solenoid 142 isenergized, nose 144 is withdrawn and the jaws assume the full-linepositions of FIG. 7 as heretofore explained.

A plunger 148, provided with an uppermost pressure plate 150 and alowermost portion 152 of reduced diameter, is mounted by means of agenerally Z-shaped bracket 154 on frame 22 immediately beneath pin 132when the cover 116 is in its closed position. A switch 156 having anoperating arm 158 is also mounted on bracket 154 as illustrated best inFIG. 5 in disposition for operation of arm 158 by plunger 148 as will behereinafter described. A spring 160 between bracket 154 and pressureplate 150 urges plunger 148 upwardly to a position where arm 158 engagesthe portion 152 of reduced diameter of plunger 148. `On the other hand,when cover 116 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 5J the lowermostpointed end 138 of pin 13.2 engages pressure plate 150 and forces theplunger downwardly so that operating arm 158 of switch 156 is movedoutwardly by engagement with the portion of increased diameter ofplunger 148.

Referring now to FIG. 9 wherein is illustrated a schematic wiringdiagram and illustration of the fluid conduits, it may be seen thatpower for operating machine 20 is provided by a pair of terminals 162and 164. A power line 166 leads from terminal 162, and a line 168 iscoupled with terminal 164. A switch 172 which may be of the type whichcan be operated with a key is interposed in line 168 and also may bemounted in front panel 24 of machine 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Switch156, heretofore described, is interposed in line 168 between switch 172and a motor 174 of a timer 176 which controls the sequential operationof the various components of machine 20. Referring to FIG. 3, timer 176is mounted on subframe 72 in relative proximity to injector 96.

The other side of timer motor 174 is coupled through a line 178 to aline 180 which is, in turn, connected to line 166. Line 180 is connectedto one contact of a timer switch 182 which may be operated by a cam 184carried on a timer shaft 186 which is driven by motor 174. The otherside of switch "182 is connected to the latch solenoid 142 which is, inturn, coupled through a line 188 to line 168 between switches 156 and172.

A line 190 leads from line 168 to the solenoid of valve 84 through atimer switch 192 operated by a timer cam 194. The other side of thesolenoid of valve 84 is connected to line 180. A pilot light 170 whichmay conveniently be mounted on the front panel 24 of machine 20 asillustrated in FIG. 1, is coupled between switch 192 and line 180 inparallel with the solenoid of valve 84. A line 196 is connected to themotor of disposer 104 through a switch 198 operated by timer cam 200.The other side of the motor of disposer 104 is connected to line 166. Aline 202 is coupled with one side of motor -68 which operates the shaftand knife assembly and pump 80. A switch 204 operated by timer cam 206is interposed in line 202. Still another line 208 is electricallyconnected to the injector 96 through a switch 210 operated by timer cam212.

In operation of machine 20, Waste material such as that which isgenerated at a hospital, nursing home, or the like and which contains arelatively high paper content, such as disposable bedpans or similarreceptacles, or other fibrous products such as paper napkins, aprons,shields, etc., is deposited by the hospital personnel in the open topreceiver 32. After the waste material is deposited in receiver 32 theattendant closes cover 116 to initiate operation of the disposal cycle.Manifestly, it is contemplated that machine 20 will be electricallycoupled with a source of electrical energy and switch 172 closed priorto placing the waste material in receiver 32.

The act of closing lid 116 closes switch 156 through physical engagementof the projecting pin 132 against plunger 148 as heretofore described.The closing of switch 156 energizes the timer motor 174 forautomatically controlling the sequence of operations to be hereinafterexplained. It should be pointed out at this juncture that jaws 120 and122 of latch 118 automatically operate to hold lid 116 closed by virtueof the fact that the closing of switch 172 to place machine 20 inreadiness for operation, results in energizing of solenoid 142 towithdraw nose 144 to the full-line position shown in FIG. 7.

As timer motor 174 begins to rotate shaft 186, the respective cams 184,194, 200, 206 and 212 are also rotated. The cams are shown schematicallyin the drawings and no attempt has been made to illustrate the precisecam configuration nor to show the cams in their exact positions ofrelative rotation in FIG. 9. Rather, it will be readily understood bythose skilled in the art that the cams are adjusted with respect to oneanother to effect the sequence of operations to be hereinafterexplained. Cam 194 initially closes switch 192 to energize pilot light170 and to open valve 84 to admit water to machine 20. The water passesthrough line 86 and emanates at nozzle 88 to wash any water-flushablematerial toward and through discharge outlet opening 64. The spraypattern emanating from nozzle 88 is such that it gives a rather broadflushing pattern capable of moving most ilushable material into theoutlet opening.

Shortly after valve 84 is opened, cam 200 operates switch 198 toenergize the electric motor of disposer 104. This moves the flushedmaterial on into pipe 1110 for discharge from the machine and also tendsto eliminate any residue from the preceding disposal cycle. Both the Howof water through nozzle 88 and operation of the disposer 104 continuethroughout the entire cycle of machine 20.

About two seconds following energizing of the disposer motor, cam 206closes switch 204 to energize motor 68. This initiates rotation ofshafts 52 and 54 also initiates operation of pump to provide highpressure water to nozzles 94. Shafts 52 and 54 rotate in a clockwisedirection as viewed in FIG. 5 at speeds of approximately 600 r.p.m.s.The water from nozzles 94 provides a thorough flushing of the materialdownwardly from the sides of receiver 32 into trough 50 and the force ofthe water tends to urge all of the paper and solid content of the wastematerial into contact with the rotating knives 60. The knives 60 providea chopping action and, although they have a tendency to bounce thematerial and particularly the paper content thereof away from contactwith their leading cutting edges 62, the continued application of thehigh pressure water from nozzles 94 repeatedly brings the paper materialback into contact with the high speed, sharpened edges 62 for choppingthe paper into relatively small fragments. It is contemplated that thewater emanating from nozzles 94 should be at a pressure in the order of200 pounds per square inch to provide the force which is advantageousfor holding the paper against the rotating knives. Manifestly, water atthis pressure continues to clean the sides of the receiver 32 and alsocontributes to the general flushing action toward discharge outlet 64.The flushing action of the water from nozzle 88 continues throughout thecycle.

The angle at which the outermost ends of the bulk of the knives 60 aredisposed with respect to the axes of shafts S4 and 52 insure that theknives serve as impellers for moving the material longitudinally of theshafts toward opening 64. Further, the fact that those knives 60 whichare disposed in immediate proximity to openings 64 are not angledinsures that such knives will not move the material away from opening64. Rather, the knives continue the chopping action on the wastematerial but tend to force it down into opening 64.

Inasmuch as the material handled does have a high paper content, it hasbeen found to be extremely important for proper comminution of thematerial that a treating agent such as a detergent be added to the watersprayed from nozzles 94 to thoroughly soak the paper. Thus, cam 212closes switch 210 to energize injector 96 shortly after motor 68 isenergized. This causes an introduction of the treating agent (which mayalso include a disinfectant for `destroying disease germs or the like inthe material to be disposed). The treating agent is introduced into thehigh pressure line and is distributed thoroughly throughout the entirecontent of receiver 32 as the disposing operations continues. It iscontemplated that ejector 96 will be of a type which is commerciallyavailable and readily known to those skilled in this art so that nofurther description is necessary. Manifestly, it is contemplated thatthe ejector may be of any type which intermittently ejects the materialinto the fluid stream. A time interval of approximately 10 or 15 secondsbetween injections which are of approximately two seconds duration hasbeen found to be effective when the treating agent, comprised of acombination disinfectant and detergent, is utilized.

The comminution effected by the knives 60 of this machine results notonly from a cutting action on the paper products, but also a tearing ofthe bers occurs such that the material has generally the consistency ofa slurry by the time it is discharged through outlet opening 64. Thewetting action afforded by the detergent assists materially in thedisengaging of the paper fibers from one another.

The material so disintegrated is conducted to the disposer 104 and it isin such a condition that there is no tendency for the material to clogthe disposer. Rather, the material is handled by-the disposer in theconventional manner similar to the handling by disposers of this type ofkitchen waste products wherein the material is further comminuted anddischarged into the sewer line.

The length of time machine 20 must operate to transform the materialinto the condition described and which may readily be handled bydisposer 104 may vary, depending upon the type and amount of wastematerial generated at a particular institution. Accordingly, thecharacteristics of timer 176 are chosen with consideration to the speedof motor 174 to effect complete transformation of the material asdescribed from the time the cycle is initiated until the timerautomatically terminates the cycle.

Not to be overlooked is the elongated, sloping front wall 42 whichserves to continually direct the material which may be thrown from therotating knives 60 back to trough 50 for successive engagement with theknives. Of similar import is the baille 112 which serves to direct thematerial falling thereon toward those rotating knives which are locatedrelatively remote from opening 64. This action continues until theparticles have been comminuted to a size where they are not readilythrown from the knives, whereupon they may gravitate through opening 64.This helps in preventing inadvertent transfer of relatively largeparticles to disposer 104 where clogging might occur.

Cover 116 may conveniently be provided with a handle 214 for opening andclosing lid 116, and it can be seen that the operator may dispose of thewaste material into receiver 32 without need for coming into closecontact with the knives 60. Further, whenever lid 116 is open, switch156 is automatically opened to disable the circuitry leading to themoving components of the machine. This further insures the safety of theoperator and also positively prevents against initiation of the cyclewhen the cover 116 is not in a position to detlect any reboundingparticles back down into the comminuting assembly.

At the end of the cycle, the timer motor 174 has rotated cam 184 to aposition which opens switch 182. This deenergizes solenoid 142 whereuponnose 144 enters the V-shaped notch defined by jaws 120 and 122 to spreadthe latter part. Pin 132 and cover 116 are thereupon urged upwardlyunder the inuence of spring 160 for partially opening cover 116 to anextent to permit switch 156 to open and disable the electrical circuitto the operating components of the machine. This results in deenergizingof pilot light 170 and in the closing of valve 84, deenergizing of motor68 and deenergizing of motor 104 of disposer 106. Further, power isremoved from the injector 96.

Manifestly, timer 176 is constructed whereby the cams are in positionsat the end of the cycle which were described with respect to initiationof the cycle and are thereby ready for re-initiation of the succeedingcycle. This is accomplished when lid 116 is again closed and held for asufficient length of time for timer motor 174 to have an opportunity torotate cam 184 a suicient time increment to close switch 182. The cover116 may thereupon be released and it will again remain locked by jaws120 and 122 while solenoid 142 remains energized It is contemplated thatthe walls of receiver 32, as well as shafts S2 and S4 and knives 60,will be constructed from stainless steel to facilitate the cleaning ofthe receiver and to prevent corrosion of any of the components. Further,it should be pointed out that the resilient mounting of receiver 32 andbearings 56, as well as the resilient mounting of subframe 72 anddisposer 104, reduces the noise level attendant upon operation ofmachine 20 to a. bare minimum. This feature is especially well suitedfor installation of machine 20 in hospitals or the like. Even thoughmachine 20 operates in an extremely quiet manner however, an operator isadvised when the cycle is terminated since cover 116 automatically movesupward slightly at the end of the cycle and pilot light 170 isdeenergized. The operator may merely observe the position of the cover116 or the condition of pilot light 170 to know whether or not the cycleis completed.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that switch 156 mightbe of the mercury type and could be mounted for movement with cover 116whereby the physical position of cover 116, when the latter is not inits fully closed position, would disable timer 176. In addition, thoseskilled in the art will recognize further modications which could beaccomplished without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Means is provided to prevent a buildup of static electricity to reducethe hazard of re should combustible materials such as alcohol, ether orthe like be placed in the machine. This also minimizes the danger fromoperation of the machine in an environment where combustible gases maybe present. Thus, grounding straps 216 (FIGS. 2 and 3) electricallyinterconnect subframe 72 and receiver 32 with main frame 22 because thesubframe and receiver are otherwise electrically isolated from the mainframe due to insulation of the resilient mounting described above.Bearings 56 for each of the shafts 52 and 54 are also provided with anelectrical grounding spring 218 (FIG. 8) electrically coupling therespective bearings with frame 22 through the proximal side wall of themachine. This drains off any electrical charge which might otherwisebuild up in the bearings 56 because of the electrical isolation aifordedby the resilient body 220 of each bearing bracket 58.

It will be understood that machine 20 may be constructed for fixedinstallation or it may be portable. When intended for portableoperation, casters 222 are constructed of electrically conductive rubberor other resilient material so that any electrical charges are conductedthrough the casters to ground. Manifestly, a grounding wire may be usedto ground the machine in a conventional manner.

If the machine is to be used as a portable unit, appropriate quickdisconnect couplings will be used at the discharge line and at the waterinlet. Both the inlet and outlet lines are, of course, preferablyprovided with suitable check valves to prevent any backow through thelines.

The machine may, however, be installed in a stationary position. Thequick disconnect couplings and the check valve in the discharge outletmay thereupon be omitted if desired. Further, the casters are notnecessary and a fixed grounding wire may be substituted for preventingthe buildup of any electrical charge and to render the machine safe foroperation.

It is contemplated that a suitable indicating system should be providedfor sensing and revealing the quantity of treating material in container98. This system forms no part of the present invention per se and has,therefore, not been illustrated in detail. It suices to say that thesystem may include spring means normally carrying the weight ofcontainer 98 with an electrical switch disposed for energizing a warninglight 224 mounted in front panel 24 to indicate the condition ofcontainer 98 having a relatively small supply of treating material.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In apparatus for disposing of waste material having a. substantialpaper content and including a waste disposer, a conditioner for saidwaste material for shredding said paper and conducting the material tothe disposer, said cqnditioner comprising:

a waste receiver provided with an outlet opening;

a pair of elongated shafts mounted for rotation on said receiver,extending generally toward said opening and spanning the distancethereacross, each shaft having a plurality of longitudinally spaced,radially extending knives rigidly secured thereto for rotationtherewith, at least some of said knives being disposed at an angle withrespect to said shaft and in a direction for imparting movement of saidmaterial toward said opening as the material is contacted by saidrotating knives;

a plurality of lluid nozzles mounted in the receiver at an elevationhigher than said shafts and adapted for coupling with a source of fluidunder pressure, said nozzles being directed generally downwardly andtoward said shafts for urging paper into contact with said knives;

means coupled with said shafts for rotating the same;

and

means communicating said outlet opening with said disposer.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said outlet opening is disposedproximal one end and below said shafts, a plurality of said knivesadjacent said opening being substantially ilat and disposed for rotationin planes perpendicular to the axis of the corresponding shaft forcomminution of said waste material without movement thereoflongitudinally of the shaft, whereby to facilitate movement of thematerial through said outlet opening.

3. The invention of claim 2, said shafts being disposed in parallelrelationship.

4. The invention of claim 2, and a baffle in the receiver in partialoverlying relationship to said shafts, said baille sloping downwardlyand extending from the ends of the shafts adjacent said outlet openingtoward the opposite ends of said shafts for conducting material in thereceiver toward said opposite end by gravity, whereby the material isforced to proceed longitudinally of said shafts in relatively closeproximity thereto for enhanced comminution as the material moves towardsaid outlet opening.

5. The invention of claim 2, at least some of said knives having asharpened leading edge.

6. In apparatus for disposing of waste material having a substantialpaper content and including a waste disposer, a conditioner for saidwaste material for shredding said paper and conducting the material tothe disposer, said conditioner comprising:

a waste receiver provided with an outlet opening:

a pair of elongated shafts mounted for rotation on said receiver andspanning the distance thereacross, each shaft having a plurality oflongitudinally spaced, radially extending knives rigidly secured theretofor rotation therewith;

a plurality of water nozzles mounted in the receiver `at an elevationhigher than said shafts and adapted for coupling with a source of waterunder pressure, said nozzles being directed generally downwardly andtoward said shafts for urging paper into contact with said knives;

means coupled with said shafts for rotating the same;

means communicating said outlet opening with said disposer;

a motorized pump communicating with said water source and with saidnozzles for increasing the pressure of the water between the source andsaid nozzles,

means for injecting a treating agent into the water between the pump andsaid nozzles,

control means operably coupled with the shaft rotating means, said pumpand said injector means for operating the same in predetermined timedrelationship for comminuting said waste material through the action ofsaid knives on the material as water and said agent are introduced intothe receiver for treating the material and holding the paper againstsaid knives;

a cover for the receiver; and

disabling means operably coupled with said control means and said coverfor preventing rotation of said shafts and operation of the pump andinjector means when said cover is removed from the receiver.

7. The invention of claim 6, said control means including a timer andelectrical circuitry connecting the timer with said shaft rotatingmeans, the pump and said injector, the disabling means including anormally open electrical switch interposed in said circuitry anddisposed for operation by said cover, whereby said switch is closed bysaid cover when the latter is in its closed position on said receiver.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,708,074 5/1955 Hoskins24h-46.01 2,731,208 1/1956 Dodd 241-46 2,850,244 9/1958 James et al.241-257 2,963,229 12/ 1960 Rhodes 24l-46.02 3,323,728 6/1967 Shepherd24l-46 3,386,668 6/1968 Shepherd 241-62 3,389,864 6/1968 Topinka 241-46GERALD A. DOST, Primary Examiner U.S. C1. X.R. 241-

